Deflectable Endoscopic Shaft With Integrated Coagulation Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices face challenges in integrating a coagulation function while maintaining deflectability and electrical conductivity, often resulting in bulky and unsafe designs.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic device incorporates an actuating unit with flexible segments and an electrical pole conductor to provide electrical potential to the tool element, allowing for a compact and safe integration of a coagulation function while enabling deflectability and electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coagulation function is integrated into the endoscopic device, then the device's functionality is improved, but the device complexity and safety increase due to the need for electrical pole conductors and insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coagulation function with the existing shaft structure by integrating electrical pole conductors into the shaft. The actuating unit, which is already present for controlling the end effector, is made flexible and extends through the shaft to provide both mechanical actuation and electrical conductivity for coagulation, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical actuation for the end effector through its flexible structure, simultaneously serves as an electrical conductor for delivering coagulation current via embedded pole conductors, and maintains structural support for the deflectable shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is made deflectable to improve navigation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the electrical conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into deflectable segments that can bend relative to each other, allowing navigation around anatomical structures. The electrical pole conductors are continuously embedded through these segments, maintaining electrical continuity despite the mechanical segmentation and deflection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit is made flexible, at least in segments, allowing the shaft to bend while maintaining the structural integrity and electrical conductivity of the embedded pole conductors. The flexible construction permits deflection without compromising the electrical pathway for coagulation current.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical pole conductors are added to provide coagulation function, then the functionality is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and less space-efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical pole conductors are nested within the existing shaft structure and actuating unit. The conductors are embedded in the flexible actuating unit that already extends through the shaft, utilizing the existing internal space rather than adding external bulk. This nested arrangement accommodates the coagulation function without significantly increasing the overall device volume.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the device's functionality by providing a coagulation function while improving deflectability and electrical conductivity, ensuring a safe and space-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating unit has at least one electrical pole conductor (184b) for providing at least one electrical potential for the tool piece (92b)
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to an endoscopic device with a shaft which has at least one segment that can be deflected in at least one plane, with an end effector which is arranged on an end segment of the shaft and which includes at least one tool piece, with an actuating unit that is designed for actuating the end effector and which extends at least in part through the shaft and is embodied flexible, at least in segments. The actuating unit has at least one electrical pole conductor for providing at least one electrical potential for the tool piece.